NATE ON A MISSION
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un-edited, stripped down, raw … here is …
My Heart Cries | Five Minutes with Lisa-Jo
this place fills me with lots of emotion. It fills my nostrils with a sense of belonging. I sit here and converse with my friend for many years over tacos. It’s been two years, but it seems as though time has stood still. We talk about life, about passion, about our country that we so passionately love. Every time I come back to this country my heart leaps for joy, when all others would do anything to get out of this country. Across from this local taqueria, there are cars bustling in and out of a hotel attached to a strip club. My heart cries for His people.
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One Word To Rule Them All …
It has been said that actions speak louder than words.
I am a firm believer in that.
I began a tradition last year of joining a group of people revolutionizing the idea of resolutions for the new year. Instead of writing a whole list of goals for the new year, one word is picked to live out for the whole year. It is neat to be able to see the word run in themes through your life that year.
I’ve spent the past month or so putting some time and thought into where I wanted to put my focus for next year. The whole process has been a wonderful thing. Circumstances in my life this last month have continuously confirmed that this has been the right choice.
My word choice for this next year:
action.
I am ready for that little word to challenge me this year. The excitement for the next year is killing me. It’s palpable. I can feel it in the air. Can you feel it too? It’s not too late to join the One Word challenge. I am looking forward to walking this journey with you as I learn more about the actions I take and how they affect my life. I hope to blog along the way and let you know how I’m doing with my word.
Are you up for it? Do you have a word for the this next year?
Tell me about it!
hashtag on twitter: #OneWord2011
http://facebook.com/oneword2011
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The Man In The Mirror
As I look back in the mirror and remember 2010, I have mixed emotions. On one hand, it has been an excellent year, but on the other it’s been a big internal struggle with life. I had a few firsts that I am so excited that I got to be a part of. For the first time this year I got to meet a handful of people that I met online. Even in this day and age, for some people that’s a crazy thought. Not for me. I LOVED it. Guys, seriously, it was honestly one of the best things that happened to me this year. I first got to meet the person that pulled me into this social media life, Alece. Thanks to her, I was able to meet close to 30 people this year that I had never seen in real life before. It has been a beautiful thing. Within the first week of 2011, I will add close to 10 more people to that list. hooray! In February I was able to take a trip to Mexico City to visit a friend there, and soak up everything that I could in 10 days. It was everything that I could have imagined. God is definitely giving me a heart for His people.
Last but certainly not least, I held the same job all year. It may seem like a little thing, but no small feat for this guy.
It’s been a crazy year, but God is using it to grow me. I’m continuing to make my faith and relationship my own. I can see that slowly but surely I am maturing into the young man that I need to be. YAY! Go God!
Blessings to all of you as you head into the new year!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
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UnknownUnknown0PlaysThe First Noël | Bing Crosby
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Bing.
In our family, he has always had a special place in our Christmas traditions. He graces our presence as we come together for the tree decorating, sipping hot chocolate, and spending quality time together.
Listen in as he ushers us into the holiday season.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Have any family traditions at Christmas? Favorite songs?
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Free Fallin’ | John Mayer
You know those songs that just make you feel good?
Yeah, this song does that for me.
For some reason, it makes me happy.
John Mayer rocks.
What songs do that for you? Who is your go to artist?
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Lost
My dear internet friend, Mandy Thompson put out a challenge this weekend to create an 80 word post about one word: LOST. I decided to take her up on the challenge! I’m relatively new to the whole blogging world and want to get my feet wet. So, here we go!
LOST
When I think of the word, lost, it makes me scared. I immediately think of the future. The future is suppose to be bright and bubbly right? I feel scared to grow up and face the real world. Job, career, family, kids, wife, making a difference, loving God, and loving people. It all makes me feel so lost, and so not in control. Can I live up to my own high expectations? Is it normal at my age to be constantly worried about it?
Done.
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Family. I love them to death.
This last weekend we took the family out to Whidbey Island, and hiked the bluff on Ebey’s Landing, and Perego’s Lagoon. It’s one of our family’s most favorite hikes. It’s our go to spot for rest and relaxation. It’s one of the places on earth where I feel super close to God. It was an amazing Sunday. We were all getting along, and simply sharing in our lives together. I’m so glad that I have my brother and sister. They make my life infinitely better!
Do you have a place where you feel close to God? Share it with me?
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I think a little bit of heaven touched earth today. For those of you that don’t know, I met up with some wonderful people that I met on twitter over the past year or so. We met up down in Seattle at Pike Place Market for lunch. What a gorgeous day to do this by the way! I was picture perfect as you can see. I tried to do a good job of capturing it for you guys!
I have to say that the twitterverse continues to amaze me to no end. There was no awkwardness at all. none. This sense of true community cannot get any better. This is how the body of Christ works. I cannot wait to meet more of my friends this way. There is definitely a long list for sure. I think this is something that this generation is just starting to figure out.
Thanks guys for this amazing Saturday. You rock. ‘nuff said.
Have you experienced this type of community? Thoughts?
I’d love to hear them.
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People On A Mission: Thrive Africa
People that have a mission, and that are actively pursuing it are some of the most amazing people. I love them. Alece Ronzino is one of them. At the young age of 19, she started what is now known as Thrive Africa. It has become a gateway for change in South Africa.
To put Thrive’s mission statement in their own words, here it is
Thrive Africa’s vision is to disciple Believers, equip leaders, and strengthen the Church in Southern Africa.
That is a BOLD statement right there. Let me tell you right now, they do a darn good job of doing just that. From what I have seen Thrive Africa is an outstanding organization. I’m proud to feature them on my blog today.
There are several ways that they simply carry out their vision in everyday life in South Africa. They teach aids prevention classes to the local area high schools. They have seen a dramatic changes in the students both in and out of school. This program is taught entirely by their national staff. What an awesome thing. In addition, they also teach after-school discipleship classes to the kids. Taking them through the next step in their faith, and making it real life. So cool.
It is heard that the church in Africa is a mile wide and an inch thick. That very well, may be true, but Thrive is here to change that! Ninety percent of pastors in Africa have no formal training. They work to reach out and invest in the pastors to teach them effective ways of reaching out to their churches.
How freaking awesome is that?!
That’s not even all of it. I’m just highlighting the best parts! They also lead mission trips year round! They have one year interns in addition to the staff that they have on site. The interns are also learning as they serve the country of South Africa. There are interns that also come in the summer for two months and help lead out the missions teams that come in and much, much more!
I am so blown away at how God is using Thrive Africa to further His Kingdom. I know that He will continue to use Thrive to mightily change South Africa. I have already seen it.
There are so many ways that you can impact South Africa from where you are sitting right now. I bet you didn’t know that did you? Thrive has recently opened an online store to help support the ongoing mission. You get wickedly cool stuff like free trade coffee, and you directly support an outstanding organization. How cool is that? Learn more how YOU can make an impact in South Africa!
The truth of it is that Thrive Africa needs you to continue to do the work that needs to be done to change South Africa. They are boldly asking for 80,000 dollars in new support as of yesterday (quite literally). That is a big request. We know that God can do the impossible! You can be a part of this amazing opportunity!
Be part of this change. DO SOMETHING!
Impact South Africa Initiative - www.ImpactSouthAfrica.com
Thrive Africa Store - www.ThriveAfricaStore.com
Thrive’s website - www.ThriveAfrica.org
This is some Thrive Africa Swag that I got from the online store! Want some of your own TA SWAG? Get yours here!
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Oh, where does that kind of love come from
They say that it runs in His blood
Oh, where can I find that kind of love
They say that it runs in His bloodSocial media seriously continues to baffle me to no end. I honestly can’t get enough of it. I really think that I will have life long friends that come out of this crazy thing called Twitter. What am I even saying?! Six months ago I thought Twitter was a joke. I’m not even sure where I’m going with this blog post. I just have so much love that has been poured out this past week in front of me, I’m not so sure what do to with it. I really can’t believe what an amazing picture of the body of Christ I have gotten from them. People in my life laugh at me when I talk about my friends on Twitter that for the most part, I’ve never met. I guess I just want to say that I’m so happy that you are all in my life. I hope that I am blessed enough to meet all of you some day. There is only one place where that kind of love comes from!
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Loving this picture of my friend Kevin on campus at the University of Washington in Seattle.
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I need new shoes...
a new job might be cool too.
really, I probably just need...
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OVERVIEW
Of all the deadly sins
pride
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on people who own absolutely...
